UPS Ends Grants to Boy Scouts over Policy Against Gay Members

UPS has announced it will no longer offer monetary grants to the Boy Scouts of America because of the youth organization’s policy of excluding gay members and leaders.

An online petition started by an Eagle Scout named Zach Wahls protesting the grants from UPS gathered more than 80,000 signatures, prompting the shipping company to end their aid. In 2011, UPS gave the Boy Scouts $85,000.

UPS follows Intel, the world’s largest computer chip manufacturer, in cutting off funds to the Boy Scouts.

UPS spokeswoman Kristen Petrella claimed that UPS had been concerned about the Boy Scouts before the petition became an issue.

She said that the Boy Scouts, just as other groups applying for grants from UPS, would have to use the same standards UPS does in its hiring: “We promote an environment of diversity and inclusion. UPS is a company that does the right things for the right reasons.”

Deron Smith, the director of public relations for the Boy Scouts of America, said the group was disappointed by the decision:

These types of contributions go directly to serving young people in local councils and this decision will negatively impact youth. Through 110,000 units, scouting represents millions of youth and adult members in diverse communities across the nation, each with a variety of beliefs on this topic.